SB1383

California Organic Waste Recycling Act of 2016

SB 1383, also known as the California Organic Waste Recycling Act of 2016, is a landmark legislation aimed at reducing organic waste in the state of California. The highlights of SB 1383 include provisions that require certain food businesses to donate edible food they would otherwise dispose of to food recovery organizations. The law phases food donors into two tiers:

• Tier One (Required to donate starting in 2022):
  
• Restaurants with 250 or more seats.
  
• Hotels with an on-site food facility and 200 or more rooms.
  
• Health facilities with an on-site food facility and 100 or more beds.
  
• Tier Two (Required to donate starting in 2024):
  
• This tier includes additional businesses, although specific details regarding these businesses are not provided in the summary.
  

Under SB 1383, these businesses are mandated to maintain a contract or written agreement with a food recovery organization that picks up or receives edible food. This requirement ensures that surplus food is redirected to those in need rather than being disposed of as waste.
The law aims to address food waste issues by facilitating the donation of edible surplus food, thereby reducing waste sent to landfills and mitigating associated environmental impacts. By requiring businesses to donate edible food, SB 1383 encourages the redirection of surplus food to food recovery organizations, which can then distribute it to individuals and families facing food insecurity.
Overall, SB 1383 represents a significant step towards reducing organic waste and promoting food recovery efforts in California, ultimately contributing to environmental sustainability and addressing food insecurity issues in the state.